France

france travel costs and attractions

France is a country with which nearly any traveler has a friendship. Often dreams of the pleasures of living are shown by the endless cafés, picturesque villages, and world-famous gastronomy.

Some come to follow the direction of the great French thinkers, authors, and musicians, or to immerse themselves in the beautiful language of the world. Others are also attracted to the country’s geological diversity, with its long coastlines, vast mountain ranges, and spectacular views of the countryside.

Besides my home country, Romania, France is probably the second on the list of places I visited the most, especially after I relocated to the Var.

France isn’t cheap, especially when compared to Romania and other countries from Eastern Europe or the Balkans. But it has a lot to offer beyond the major cities. If you go out into the countryside or to smaller towns close to popular travel destinations, you’ll see that it’s possible to discover France even while on a budget.

Speaking of the popular travel destinations in France, the major ones, in alphabetical order, are Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Paris (the capital).

visit grotte Saint Cezaire cave. Illuminated stalactites and rock formations inside Saint Cezaire cave with stone steps leading deeper underground

Visit Saint-Cézaire Cave / Grotte de Saint-Cézaire. Your Full-Day Guide to the Domain

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The Grotte de Saint-Cézaire near Grasse is one of the best caves in Provence to visit in 2025. A 40 minute guided tour takes you 40 metres below ground through spectacular limestone galleries filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies formed over six million years. Highlights include the guide’s sound demo on the musical stalactites and the glowing fluorescent waterfall at the end of the route. With a constant 15°C temperature, the cave is ideal for cooling off in summer or as a rainy day activity. Families also enjoy the discovery trail, orienteering, accrobranche, and leisure park in the domain.

Gratadis Ravine hike. Pink water lilies on Étang d’Aubert with dense lily pads along the Saint Raphaël hiking loop from Col de Belle Barbe via Ravin du Gratadis and Col d'Aubert in the Esterel Massif

Hike to Étang d’Aubert & Col Aubert. Guide to Estérel’s Pink Water Lilies

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Plan a family-friendly loop on the Saint-Raphaël hiking trails: the Gratadis Ravine hike to Col Aubert and Étang d’Aubert. Walk classic Estérel Massif red rocks and shaded forest, then reach the lily-lined pond where pink water lilies bloom. Start at Col de Belle Barbe above Agay. You have free parking, clear waymarks, and downloadable GPX keep navigation simple. Expect 1.5-2.5 hours, gentle gradients, and photo stops by the stream cascade. This Mediterranean hiking guide covers access, best time, kids and dogs, and nearby add-ons like Cap Roux and Pic de l’Ours, your compact entry point to Var hiking trails near Cannes.

Visit Abbaye du Thoronet in Provence. Thotonet Abbey Cistercian monastery surrounded by oak trees on a sunny summer day

Guide to Visit Abbaye du Thoronet, a Cistercian Abbey in Provence

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Visit Abbaye du Thoronet, one of the three Cistercian abbeys in Provence, renowned for its Romanesque architecture, serene cloister, and exceptional acoustics. Discover the abbey’s 12th-century origins, its role in Cistercian monastic life, and the craftsmanship that inspired Le Corbusier. Explore the church, chapter house, lavabo, and wine cellar, then enjoy nearby Var villages, markets, and vineyards. Whether for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or families, this complete guide covers opening hours, tickets, how to get there, and local tips for making the most of your Provence abbey tour.

Panoramic view from Carcès medieval village overlooking vineyards and hills in Provence Verte

Provence Weekend in Carcès: Village, Caramy Falls & Thoronet Abbey

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Planning a weekend in Carcès in the Var? This charming Provence Verte village blends history, nature, and local life. Walk the medieval streets to see murals, fountains, and the Église Sainte‑Marguerite, then climb to the Château de Carcès ruins for sweeping views. Hike the shaded trail to the Cascades de Caramy or extend your walk to the tranquil Lac de Carcès or Lac de Sainte-Suzanne, a favorite fishing spot. Don’t miss the lively Saturday market, dinner at a local restaurant, or a visit to the Abbaye du Thoronet, one of Provence’s famous Cistercian abbeys. Carcès is an authentic destination for a relaxing, culture‑rich escape.

Life in a French village in Provence. Traditional hilltop village in the South of France with stone houses and green valley

Life in a French Village. The Realities of Moving to the South of France

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Thinking about moving to a small village in the South of France? Before you pack up and chase the dream, read this honest guide to what life in a French village really looks like. I share the real costs, the slow pace, the beauty, and the challenges of building a life far from cities. From buying property and budgeting as an expat to learning village etiquette and dealing with isolation, this guide covers what no one tells you. Living in a small village in Provence is rewarding, but it demands more patience, resilience, and work than you might expect.